Have you ever craved fresh-baked cookies but felt overwhelmed by long ingredient lists and complicated steps? This chocolate cake mix cookie recipe transforms a humble box of cake mix into irresistible, bakery-quality cookies in just minutes. Making cookies at home allows you to control ingredients, customize flavors, and fill your kitchen with that unbeatable aroma of freshly baked treats. Whether you're a busy parent, a beginner baker, or simply someone who loves shortcuts without sacrificing taste, this chocolate chip cookie recipe with cake mix delivers soft, chewy cookies with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

The beauty of using cake mix as your cookie base lies in its convenience—it already contains flour, sugar, leavening agents, and cocoa powder, eliminating half your prep work. Plus, you can easily adapt this foundation to create endless flavor combinations, making it a versatile recipe you'll return to again and again.

Ingredients List

    • 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
    • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Mix-Ins:

    • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
    • Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
    • Optional: 1/4 cup mini marshmallows for extra gooeyness
    • Optional: A pinch of sea salt for topping

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes

This recipe is perfect for last-minute gatherings or after-school treats. From mixing bowl to cooling rack, you'll have warm cookies ready in less time than it takes to order delivery.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning on the bottom of your cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Base In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined—the dough will be thick and slightly sticky. Avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough instead of tender.

Step 3: Add Mix-Ins Fold in the chocolate chips and vanilla extract. For this chocolate cake mix cookie recipe, distributing chips evenly ensures every bite has melty chocolate goodness. If using nuts or other mix-ins, add them now.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They'll spread slightly during baking. For uniform cookies, roll the dough gently between your palms before placing on the sheet.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection Bake for 9-11 minutes. The edges should look set while the centers remain slightly soft—they'll continue cooking on the hot pan after removal. For a chocolate chip cookie recipe with cake mix, underbaking slightly yields the softest, chewiest texture.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting period helps them set properly without breaking.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information

Per serving (makes 24 cookies, 2 cookies per serving):

    • Calories: 185
    • Protein: 2g
    • Carbohydrates: 26g
    • Fat: 8g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Sugar: 18g
    • Sodium: 180mg

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Flavor Variations: - Double Chocolate Delight: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder for extra richness - Peppermint Twist: Mix in crushed candy canes and use dark chocolate chips - Peanut Butter Swirl: Add 1/2 cup peanut butter chips and drizzle melted peanut butter on top

Dietary Adaptations: - Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix - Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free chocolate chips - Lower Sugar: Choose a sugar-free cake mix and sugar-free chocolate chips

Pro Tips: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies. For meal prep, freeze unbaked dough balls and bake directly from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes to baking time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking: Cookies continue cooking after removal from the oven. Remove them when centers still look slightly underdone for the best texture.

Wrong Oil Amount: Too much oil makes cookies greasy and flat. Measure precisely—1/3 cup is the sweet spot.

Skipping Parchment Paper: Baking directly on unlined sheets causes sticking and uneven browning. Always use parchment or silicone mats.

Overcrowding the Pan: Cookies need space to spread. Place only 12 cookies per standard baking sheet.

Using Expired Cake Mix: Check the date—old cake mix loses leavening power, resulting in dense, flat cookies.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze cookies in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months—they'll taste freshly baked after thawing at room temperature for 30 minutes.

To maintain that just-baked softness with your chocolate cake mix cookie recipe, add a slice of bread to your storage container; it releases moisture that keeps cookies tender. For the chocolate chip cookie recipe with cake mix, reheat individual cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their warm, gooey texture. Frozen dough balls can be baked directly from the freezer, making it easy to enjoy fresh cookies whenever cravings strike.